Pramesh S Jain
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday conducted a second search at the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) office in Bengaluru as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment examination for veterinary officers.
A CID team investigating the case,led by SP Raghavendra Hegde,searched the KPSC office and examined recruitment-related documents and other records.
The CID also issued notices to all 329 candidates who appeared for the examination, directing them to appear for questioning before the investigating officers.
Investigators have already seized 658 OMR carbon sheets from the candidates and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination.
The sheets are being compared with the original OMR sheets to detect any discrepancies or evidence of manipulation.
The CID has intensified the probe based on information and statements reportedly obtained by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during its separate investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities.
The ED had earlier conducted searches at more than 21 locations in connection with the alleged large-scale recruitment and financial irregularities.
The agency had also searched the residence of IAS officer Gnanendra Kumar,who was entrusted with overseeing the examination.
The ED officials conducted the search at the IAS officer’s residence in his absence and later pasted a notice on the door directing him to appear for questioning.
The CID is now examining the material gathered by the ED and the statements recorded during its investigation to establish the extent of the alleged malpractice and identify those involved in the recruitment process.
